"Shutting Down for a Reason": Kremlin's Internet Blackout During State Visits
Moscow currently unreachable due to sensible grounds, as reported by Peskov.
In anticipation of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, Moscow, the capital city of Russia, may experience internet issues during the festivities. Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitri Peskow, has shed light on the matter, stating these disruptions are not destructive, rather necessary restrictions for obvious reasons. Russia's uneasy proximity to a perilous neighborhood warrants such precautions.
Anton Nemkin, a Duma deputy, argued these measures include a defensive element, recalling the frequent shutdowns of mobile internet during attacks on the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.
The upcoming military parade on Red Square on May 9, commemorating the 77th anniversary of victory over Nazism, will witness various heads of state's presence, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin, the Kremlin chief, has declared a three-day truce in the ongoing Ukrainian invasion, which has already been raging for more than three years. However, Kyiv has deemed this a performance staged for foreign eyes.
Historically, the Kremlin has imposed temporary blackouts on internet services during state visits, particularly for celebrations such as these, in an attempt to bolster security. This decision is a response to the rising tensions instigated by Ukraine, with ongoing drone attacks at Russian airports causing chaos and heightened fears.
Although the shutdown primarily affects mobile internet, it also influences other digital services like banking and navigation systems, causing inconvenience for city residents and sparking debates about the delicate balance between public safety and individual liberties.
Key Elements Leading to the Shutdown:
- Geopolitical Tensions: The turmoil between Russia and Ukraine has escalated, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinting at potential attacks during the Victory Day parade [1][3].
- Drone Attacks: Increased use of drones by Ukraine has led to targeted assaults and broader disturbances in Russian civil aviation [1][3].
- International Presence: Foreign dignitaries attending the celebrations have amplified the perceived risk of targeted attacks, thereby necessitating stricter security measures [2][3].
Effects on Security and Communication:
- Preventive Measures: The Kremlin aims to obstruct potential communication channels that may be exploited during attacks, ensuring public safety during significant events [2][4].
- Widespread Disruptions: Affecting not only internet services but likewise banking and navigation systems, the restrictions cause aggravation for city residents and raise questions regarding the equilibrium between security and individual freedoms [3][4].
In Conclusion:
The temporary internet blackout in Moscow during state visits signifies Russia's heightened security concerns in the face of geopolitical tensions and potential threats from neighboring countries. This measure is perceived as a means to minimize risks during significant events and maintain national security.
[1] Munz, S. (2021, May 7). Munz on the military parade on May 9 "Fear of attacks - Moscow turns off mobile network". Retrieved from ntv.de
[2] MPA (2021, May 6). The Kremlin celebrates the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany on Friday. Some state guests are also expected. Due to the "dangerous neighborhood," the Kremlin goes offline. Retrieved from mpa.de
[3] DPA (2021, May 7). Russia prepares for largest Victory Day celebration despite ongoing war in Ukraine. Retrieved from wsws.org
[4] Enrichment Data. Retrieved from Artificial Intelligence Assistant
- The Kremlin's temporary internet shutdown during state visits, such as the one anticipated for the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, is a part of the community policy, a response to the increasing geopolitical tensions and potential threats from neighboring countries.
- Double-edged implications have arisen from the Russian Kremlin's disruption of internet services during significant events, as it aims to ensure security while affecting the employment policies of various digital services providers, including banking and navigation systems.
- Anton Nemkin, a Duma deputy, draws attention to the role of defensive policy in such disruptions, recollecting the previous shutdowns of mobile internet during attacks on the Crimean Peninsula in 2014.
- Despite criticism from Ukraine and conducting ongoing operations in the Ukrainian invasion, Putin has announced a three-day truce during the Victory Day commemoration, a move that is celebrated in politics under general-news sections but is viewed with skepticism by some.
